A young Co Tyrone woman who raised more than £60,000 for charity after being diagnosed with a rare form of cancer has been described as “inspirational” following her death this week.
Shannon Whitehouse died surrounded by loved ones at her home in Coalisland on Tuesday after being diagnosed with Ewing's sarcoma in January last year.
She underwent a gruelling regime of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
However, last month she received the devastating news that her treatment had been unsuccessful and was told by doctors she had only months to live.
In an interview with The Irish News last month, Shannon told how she was “heartbroken” when the bad news was delivered.
Despite the devastating blow, the 26-year-old embarked on a fundraising drive in a bid to raise awareness of the rare cancer, which affects mainly young people and forms in the bones or soft tissue.
Earlier this month she handed over as cheque for more than £60,000 to the Boom Foundation, which offers support to people diagnosed with Ewing's sarcoma.
The cash was raised after Shannon set up a JustGiving page and held a ‘Shine for Shannon’ fundraising event in her home town.
The young Tyrone woman spoke of the “overwhelming” response to her cash drive.
“When I first set up this page the initial target was to raise £2,500 and I didn't even think I'd reach that,” she said.
“The generosity and kindness shown by each and every one of you has been overwhelming, I can't thank you enough.
“In the words of Maya Angelou, ‘I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel’.
“I for one will never forget how you have made (me) feel.”
Leona Rankin, founder and trustee of the Boom Foundation, offered “heartfelt condolences” to Shannon’s family and said she “was a truly inspirational young woman who has given great hope and strength to others at a time when she could have been unashamedly selfish”.
“As trustees of Boom, and Shannon’s friends, we will celebrate her life and achievements through our continued determination to improve the landscape for everyone affected by sarcoma in Northern Ireland.
“It was an honour to have met such a kind and generous young woman who we will never forget.”
Independent councillor Dan Kerr described Shannon as “courageous”.
“My thoughts are with the Whitehouse family,” he said.
“Shannon was a very brave, inspirational young girl and raised a lot for charity and it was a very courageous act."
Tributes have also been posted on social media by heartbroken friends.
Cash raised by The Boom Foundation is split between practical help and vital research.
To make a donation to Shannon’s JustGiving page visit justgiving.com/fundraising/shannon-whitehouse.
Requiem Mass will take place tomorrow at 10am at The Church of the Holy Family in Coalisland.
Interment will take place afterwards in St Mary and St Joseph’s Cemetery at Brackaville Road.
